Marvel: Infinite Potential

"Director, the reporters are ready. What kind of statement should we make next? Should we say vampires have gone rogue and are attacking humans?"

Agent Hill's voice broke the heavy silence in the room as she stood beside Nick Fury. The S.H.I.E.L.D. director, with his usual calm yet intimidating demeanor, turned to her with a sharp gaze.

"Absolutely not," Fury said firmly. "If we admit to the public that vampires exist, it will lead to chaos. People will start asking why they didn't know about this before, and when they dig deeper, the agreements between governments and vampire factions will come to light."

Hill frowned. "Agreements?"

"Yes," Fury continued. "The government has long allowed vampires to integrate into human society under strict regulations. If this arrangement is exposed, trust in global leadership will crumble. But that's not even the worst of it. Some fools, desperate for immortality, might actively seek out vampires to turn them. That's the real risk."

The weight of Fury's reasoning was palpable. Hill paused before asking cautiously, "So, how should we frame the statement?"

Fury smirked, his one good eye gleaming with cunning. "Same as always—blame it on the mutants."

Hill blinked, stunned. "Mutants? Again?"

"Why not?" Fury said, his tone almost casual. "Mutants are the perfect scapegoat. They already have a reputation for strange powers and unexplainable incidents. Say these so-called blood-suckers were victims of a mutant experiment gone wrong. Then we reassure the public that the mutant responsible has been dealt with, and this will never happen again."

"But what about Professor Charles and the X-Men?" Hill pressed.

Fury shrugged. "I'll handle him. Charles understands the bigger picture. For now, mutants will just have to bear the brunt. It's all for the greater good of humanity."

In the Streets of New York

Noah stood amidst a sea of blood and bodies, the scent of iron heavy in the air. He had barely finished dealing with the chaos when he noticed the flashing lights of cameras and the eager faces of reporters rushing toward him.

"Are you kidding me?" Noah muttered under his breath. "How are they faster than the cops?"

Before he could move, a microphone was shoved dangerously close to his face.

"No need to explain—we know you're the hero who saved the city from those mutant-created monsters!" said the reporter at the front of the crowd.

Noah blinked. "Mutants? What are you even talking about?"

"The authorities just issued a statement," the reporter explained with enthusiasm. "Apparently, an evil mutant used their powers to transform innocent people into bloodthirsty creatures. Thanks to your bravery, the mutant's plan was thwarted, and countless lives were saved."

Oh, come on, Noah thought, his frustration building. So this is why mutants have such a terrible reputation. Anytime something supernatural happens, they're the scapegoat.

Before he could process this fully, another reporter asked, "Wait a second. Are you a mutant?"

Noah straightened up, flashing his most convincing smile. "Of course not. I'm just an ordinary human who works hard."

The reporter squinted, clearly not buying it. "But didn't you stop that bank robbery last week? You're the same high schooler, right?"

"High schooler turned hero, huh?" another reporter chimed in. "If you're just a regular human, how are you this strong? Care to explain?"

"Well, it's simple," Noah replied confidently. "My strength comes from natural talent and relentless training. If you work as hard as I do, anyone can achieve this level of skill."

The reporters exchanged doubtful glances but pushed further. "Can you give us specifics on your training?"

Noah smirked. "Absolutely. All of it will be detailed in my upcoming book, Everyone Can Train Like a Hero, hitting shelves next month. It's got everything you need to know to unlock your inner strength!"

The shameless self-promotion left the reporters momentarily stunned. They quickly changed the topic.

"What's your opinion on mutants?"

Noah paused, carefully choosing his words. "I think mutants are amazing. They're just people like us, born with unique abilities. They can contribute so much to humanity if given the chance."

The reporters weren't satisfied. "But you just stopped a mutant's plan to create chaos. Doesn't that mean they're dangerous?"

Noah shook his head. "There's a difference between individuals and groups. You wouldn't judge an entire race based on the actions of one person, right? Mutants shouldn't be treated any differently."

The reporter flinched, clearly unprepared for such a direct comparison. The awkward silence that followed was broadcast live, leaving audiences at home equally speechless.

Meanwhile, Elsewhere

In an underground lair, Magneto watched the live broadcast of Noah's interview. His expression, initially dark with fury at the government's statement, softened slightly. He turned away from the screen and back to the intricate machine he was building, his resolve strengthened.

Far away, in a snowy town, a young woman wrapped tightly in a thick coat watched the same broadcast on a bar TV. When Noah spoke up for mutants, her eyes sparkled with determination. Pulling her coat tighter, she stepped outside into the storm, disappearing into the night.

Back at the Scene

After managing to sidestep the reporters' relentless questions, Noah finally turned away from the cameras. That's when he noticed Police Chief George standing nearby, his officers behind him, all wearing grim expressions.

"Good evening, Director George," Noah said, forcing a friendly smile. He extended his hand for a handshake.

George didn't return the smile. "Weren't you supposed to be out with Gwen, watching a movie? Care to explain why the streets are littered with bodies?"

Noah scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Uh... long story."